Tan Cheng Hoe backs his young squad to reach the ASEAN Cup semi-finals despite losing 0-2 to Thailand.
BANGKOK: Malaysia’s interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe praised his young squad despite their 0-2 defeat to Thailand in a Group B match of the 2026 ASEAN Cup. He expressed confidence that the experience would aid their development.
Tan said the match had provided valuable exposure for his young side and remained confident that they could still secure a place in the semi-finals.
“I think for these young players, I’m happy that they gained the experience and the exposure from playing against a team as good as Thailand. It will prepare them for the next game. As a coach, I still believe in these young players if they are given the opportunity and continue to perform well,” he told reporters after the Group B match at the Rajamangala Stadium on Saturday.
The 58-year-old Kedahan said Malaysia still have every chance of progressing to the knockout stage, with one group match remaining against the Philippines on Aug 8.
“Definitely, as a coach, I still believe we have a good chance of reaching the next round. Hopefully, we will continue our journey in the next game,” he said.
Malaysia will conclude their Group B campaign against the Philippines at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras.
Meanwhile, Thailand head coach Anthony Hudson expressed pride in his players after their impressive performance in front of the home crowd. Hudson described Malaysia as a dangerous side with pace on the flanks and a solid defence, saying his team deserved the victory after producing a disciplined display.
“The boys played very good football and kept a clean sheet tonight. I hope they can maintain this performance in the next games,” he said.
The victory lifted Thailand to the top of Group B in 2026 ASEAN Cup, on goal difference with six points, level with Malaysia but having played one match less. Myanmar and the Philippines are tied on three points, while Laos remain without a point. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
Thailand will travel to Clark to face the Philippines next Tuesday before returning home to take on Myanmar in their final Group B fixture at the Rajamangala Stadium on Aug 8.
